The Chicago Bears are one of the most historic franchises in American sports. With roots that trace back to the very foundation of the NFL, the team has built a reputation for toughness, tradition, and passionate fans. Generations of supporters have celebrated the highs of championship victories and endured the lows of rebuilding seasons, all while remaining loyal to their beloved Bears. Beyond the players on the field, many people often ask who owns Chicago Bears and how the team’s legacy has been preserved for more than a century.
Chicago Bears Profile
The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL’s most historic and celebrated franchises. Established more than a century ago, they are known for their defensive dominance, strong traditions, and fierce rivalries, particularly with the Green Bay Packers. The franchise began in Decatur, Illinois, as the Decatur Staleys before moving to Chicago, where it became one of the league’s founding cornerstones.
From their early years under George Halas to their modern leadership by the McCaskey family, the Bears have maintained a deep connection to their roots while continuing to adapt to the evolving world of professional football. With nine championships, a loyal fan base, and recent developments around a new stadium project, the Bears remain both a symbol of history and a team focused on the future.
Founders
The Chicago Bears trace their origin back to A.E. Staley, owner of a starch company in Decatur, Illinois. In 1919, Staley founded a company football team, which later became the Decatur Staleys.
George Halas and Edward “Dutch” Sternaman were brought in by Staley in 1920 to run the team.
In 1921, full control of the team was transferred to Halas (with Sternaman), and Staley allowed the team to rename itself under new management.
George Halas is considered the primary founder because he took over when the team joined what became the NFL.
Establishment and Early Identity
- 1919: The team operated as a company team (Decatur Staleys) in Decatur, Illinois.
- 1920: The team joined the American Professional Football Association (later the NFL) as a charter member.
- 1921: George Halas and Sternaman took over operations; the team moved to Chicago, still known in that year as the Staleys under a sponsorship agreement.
- 1922: They officially adopted the name “Chicago Bears.”
The Bears played at Wrigley Field for nearly 50 years before moving to Soldier Field in 1971, where they still play today. Their headquarters and training facility, Halas Hall, is located in Lake Forest, Illinois. The navy blue and orange team colors reflect George Halas’s connection to his alma mater, the University of Illinois. The team mascot, Staley Da Bear, nods to its Decatur origins.
Major Milestones
- 1919: Team founded as Decatur Staleys by A.E. Staley.
- 1920: Joined the American Professional Football Association, which later became the NFL.
- 1921: George Halas took control; team moved to Chicago and won its first league championship.
- 1922: Officially renamed the Chicago Bears.
- 1932: Won the NFL Championship in the first playoff game in league history.
- 1940: Bears defeated Washington 73–0 in the NFL Championship, still the most lopsided game in NFL history.
- 1943: George Halas briefly left to serve in World War II; the Bears still won the championship that year.
- 1963: Bears captured another NFL Championship, led by their dominant defense.
- 1971: Team moved from Wrigley Field to Soldier Field.
- 1985: Won Super Bowl XX with one of the greatest defenses in NFL history under coach Mike Ditka.
- 1991: Soldier Field was designated a National Historic Landmark.
- 2006: Reached Super Bowl XLI but lost to the Indianapolis Colts.
- 2010: Reached the NFC Championship but fell to the Green Bay Packers.
- 2018: Won the NFC North under head coach Matt Nagy, marking their last division crown.
- 2020: Celebrated 100 years as a franchise, honoring its historic place in NFL history.
- 2022: Kevin Warren hired as Team President and CEO, becoming the first Black team president in franchise history.
- 2023: Bears acquired the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, a rare opportunity in team history.
- 2025: Virginia Halas McCaskey, the principal owner, passed away at 102; George McCaskey assumed principal ownership and chairman duties.
- 2025: Bears advanced plans for a new stadium project in Arlington Heights, marking a potential shift away from Soldier Field.
Who Owns Chicago Bears: Largest Shareholders
The Chicago Bears are one of the few NFL franchises still controlled almost entirely by a single family. Ownership is rooted in the Halas-McCaskey lineage, descendants of legendary founder George Halas. Unlike many modern NFL teams with outside investors or corporate involvement, the Bears remain tightly held by family shareholders.
As of 2025, following the passing of Virginia Halas McCaskey, ownership has transitioned but remains within the McCaskey family trust and its heirs.
The McCaskey family controls 80% of the Chicago Bears through Virginia’s estate and trusts, with George McCaskey leading as chairman and principal decision-maker. Patrick McCaskey and other family members hold smaller individual portions of this block.
The remaining 20% is divided among non-McCaskey investors. This structure makes the Bears one of the few NFL teams still deeply tied to its founding family, continuing a legacy that has lasted for more than 100 years.
| Shareholder/Group | Ownership % | Role / Position | Details & Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Halas McCaskey (Family Trust) | 80% (held in trust after her death in 2025) | Former Principal Owner (1983–2025) | Inherited team from George Halas in 1983. Shares now held in family trust controlled by heirs. |
| George McCaskey | Part of 80% | Chairman & Principal Owner | Son of Virginia. Leads family trust and decision-making. Oversees operations and stadium plans. |
| Patrick McCaskey | Part of 80% | Minority Owner, Board Member | Son of Virginia. Involved in family’s community and charitable efforts. Holds minority stake. |
| Other McCaskey Family Members | Part of 80% | Minority Owners | Children, grandchildren, and extended relatives of Virginia. Retain shares with voting rights. |
| Non-McCaskey Shareholders | 20% | Minority Investors | Small outside investors with historic ties to franchise. Limited influence, no operational control. |
Virginia Halas McCaskey – 80% (Family Trust)
Virginia Halas McCaskey was the principal owner of the Bears from 1983 until her death in early 2025. She inherited her majority ownership after the passing of her father, George Halas, and controlled about 80% of the franchise. These shares have now been passed into a family trust managed by her heirs, ensuring that ownership remains centralized within the McCaskey family. Her portion remains the foundation of the family’s control of the team.
George McCaskey – Chairman and Principal Owner (Part of 80%)
George McCaskey, Virginia’s son, now serves as the principal decision-maker and chairman. While his personal ownership percentage is part of the inherited 80%, his role as the head of the trust and chairman gives him the most influential position within the franchise. He is responsible for guiding business strategy, representing the family in league matters, and overseeing ongoing negotiations for a new stadium in Arlington Heights.
Patrick McCaskey – Minority Owner (Part of 80%)
Patrick McCaskey, another of Virginia’s sons, owns a minority stake that falls within the larger 80% block. He has long been involved with the franchise as a board member and continues to represent the family’s legacy through community outreach and charitable initiatives. His stake is smaller compared to George’s leadership role, but it gives him voting rights in ownership matters.
Other McCaskey Family Members – Minority Owners (Part of 80%)
The remainder of the 80% family-owned shares are distributed among Virginia’s children, grandchildren, and extended relatives. These include various McCaskey family members who, while not active in daily operations, still retain shareholder rights and influence in large-scale ownership votes. Their collective holdings ensure that control remains within the Halas-McCaskey bloodline.
Non-McCaskey Shareholders – 20%
The other 20% of the Chicago Bears is held by outside minority investors, some of whom have historical connections dating back to when George Halas sold small shares to raise funds for the team. These investors do not hold operational control but retain financial stakes and limited voting rights. The McCaskey family’s 80% majority ensures that no outside investor can override family decisions.
Chicago Bears Ownership History
The Chicago Bears have one of the most consistent and family-driven ownership stories in the NFL. Unlike many teams that have changed hands multiple times or brought in corporate investors, the Bears have remained firmly rooted in the Halas-McCaskey family since the early days of the league.
This continuity has been a defining characteristic of the franchise, ensuring that its traditions and identity remain closely tied to its founding vision.
| Era / Owner | Years of Ownership | Ownership % (Approx.) | Role / Position | Key Details & Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.E. Staley (Staley Starch Co.) | 1919–1921 | 100% | Founder, Original Owner | Founded Decatur Staleys in 1919. Transferred team to Halas & Sternaman in 1921. |
| George Halas & Dutch Sternaman | 1921–1932 | 50% each | Co-Owners | Took over from Staley in 1921. Renamed team Chicago Bears in 1922. |
| George Halas (Sole Owner) | 1932–1983 | 100% | Owner, Head Coach, GM | “Papa Bear.” One of NFL’s founders. Controlled Bears for over 50 years, winning 8 championships. |
| Virginia Halas McCaskey | 1983–2025 | ~80% (family block) | Principal Owner | Inherited team from Halas. Oversaw Bears as majority owner. Longest-tenured NFL owner at death. |
| McCaskey Family Trust | 2025–Present | 80% (held in trust) | Family Ownership, Led by George McCaskey | Family trust controls team. George McCaskey serves as chairman and principal owner. |
| Other Minority Shareholders | 1920s–Present | ~20% | Minority Investors | Various outside investors hold minority shares. Limited control, no operational influence. |
A.E. Staley and the Decatur Staleys (1919–1921)
The story begins in 1919 when A.E. Staley, owner of the Staley Starch Company in Decatur, Illinois, formed a company football team called the Decatur Staleys. Staley hired George Halas and Edward “Dutch” Sternaman to run the team in 1920 when the American Professional Football Association (later the NFL) was founded. Staley soon realized he did not want to manage a professional football club, and in 1921, he turned the team over to Halas and Sternaman with the agreement that the name “Staleys” would be used for one more season.
George Halas Era (1921–1983)
In 1921, George Halas and Sternaman became co-owners, and by 1922, the team was renamed the Chicago Bears. Sternaman sold his stake to Halas in 1932, making Halas the sole owner. Known as “Papa Bear,” Halas was not only the owner but also the team’s head coach, general manager, and the driving force behind the NFL’s growth. He owned the Bears for more than 60 years, guiding them to multiple championships. Halas remained in control until his death in 1983, making him one of the most influential figures in football history.
Virginia Halas McCaskey Era (1983–2025)
Upon Halas’s passing in 1983, his daughter Virginia Halas McCaskey inherited the majority of the franchise, making her the principal owner. Virginia became the face of ownership, though she did not involve herself in daily operations. Instead, she empowered her children and trusted executives to run the team. Under her stewardship, the Bears won their only Super Bowl title in 1985. She remained the controlling owner for more than 40 years until her death in early 2025, making her the longest-tenured NFL owner at the time.
Transition to George McCaskey and Family Trust (2025–Present)
Following Virginia Halas McCaskey’s passing, her 80% stake in the team transitioned to a family trust overseen by her heirs. George McCaskey, Virginia’s son, assumed the role of principal owner and chairman. He had already been chairman since 2011, but now he became the family’s top decision-maker, representing the Bears in league matters and leading their future direction. Patrick McCaskey and other family members retained minority shares within the family block.
The remaining 20% of the team continues to be held by outside investors, but the McCaskey family’s majority ownership ensures they maintain control of the franchise.
Continuity of Family Legacy
Through each transition, the Halas-McCaskey family has preserved its central role in the franchise. From A.E. Staley’s business decision to hand the team over to Halas, to Virginia’s long reign, and now to George McCaskey’s leadership, the Bears’ ownership has been defined by continuity.
This makes them one of the last great family-owned franchises in professional sports, keeping the legacy of George Halas alive more than 100 years after he first took control.
McCaskey Family Net Worth
As of September 2025, the McCaskey family’s combined net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion. Their financial position is almost entirely connected to their controlling ownership of the Chicago Bears, which are now worth $8.2 billion. Unlike other NFL ownership families who hold diversified business empires in real estate, technology, or finance, the McCaskeys’ wealth is primarily tied to the football team itself. Much of their fortune is structured through trusts, making it less liquid and harder to separate from the team’s valuation.
Source of Wealth
The McCaskey wealth originates from George Halas, the founder of the Chicago Bears. Halas not only created the franchise in 1920 but also built the foundation of the NFL itself. When he passed away in 1983, his daughter Virginia Halas McCaskey inherited the team and kept it under family control. Since then, the McCaskeys’ entire financial foundation has remained centered on the Bears. The family collectively owns about 80% of the franchise, while billionaire investor Pat Ryan and his wife Ann Ryan own a significant minority stake. Unlike other owners, the McCaskeys have little to no major holdings outside the NFL, making them unique in being fully team-dependent.
Wealth Growth Over Time
The McCaskey family’s net worth has followed the NFL’s massive rise in value:
- 2010 – Estimated net worth of $850 million, with the Bears valued near $1 billion. The NFL was already a growing financial powerhouse, but TV deals had yet to explode.
- 2015 – Increased to about $1.2 billion as the Bears’ valuation crossed $2 billion. League media rights and sponsorships began transforming ownership fortunes.
- 2020 – Reached around $1.4 billion as the Bears were valued at more than $3.5 billion. Despite on-field struggles, the financial side of the NFL continued to soar.
- 2025 – Estimated at $1.7 billion, with the Bears hitting a record valuation of $8.2 billion. The family’s wealth is now higher than ever, though still modest compared to other NFL dynasties.
Comparison with Other NFL Ownership Families
The McCaskeys are wealthy by general standards, but they fall behind some of the NFL’s billionaire dynasties. The Walton-Penner family, owners of the Denver Broncos, has a fortune worth more than $50 billion, powered by Walmart’s success.
The Kroenke family, who own the Los Angeles Rams, Arsenal (Premier League), and Denver Nuggets (NBA), are worth over $16 billion, thanks to vast real estate and sports holdings. In contrast, the McCaskeys are single-asset wealthy, with nearly all of their net worth tied up in the Bears.
What sets the McCaskeys apart, however, is not their financial clout but their historical legacy. They are one of the few original NFL families still running a team, and their stewardship represents more than just wealth—it reflects continuity, tradition, and long-term control in a league where many franchises have shifted to corporate-style ownership.
Chicago Bears Net Worth
As of September 2025, the Chicago Bears are valued at $8.2 billion. This surge in valuation reflects both the strength of the NFL’s overall business model and the Bears’ plans for future expansion, including their proposed new stadium in Arlington Heights. The figure places the Bears firmly in the top five most valuable NFL franchises.
The Bears’ value is powered by diverse and growing revenue streams:
- NFL Broadcasting Rights: The team benefits from lucrative league-wide television and streaming contracts.
- Ticket Sales and Attendance: With a devoted fan base, the Bears consistently sell out home games, and demand is expected to increase once the new stadium project is completed.
- Merchandising and Licensing: The Bears’ iconic brand drives apparel sales not just in Chicago but globally.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Partnerships with major companies contribute significantly to annual earnings.
For 2024, the Bears’ revenue exceeded $700 million, with operating income approaching $230 million, marking steady growth year over year.
Below is the 10-year historical net worth of the Chicago Bears from 2016-25:
| Year | Franchise Valuation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $2.7 billion | Strong fan base and rising NFL media deals drove steady growth. |
| 2017 | $2.85 billion | League-wide revenue increases and sponsorship expansion. |
| 2018 | $2.9 billion | Incremental growth; Bears’ brand remained a key asset. |
| 2019 | $3.1 billion | NFL media rights deal boosts valuations across the league. |
| 2020 | $3.5 billion | Despite COVID-19, long-term TV deals maintained franchise value. |
| 2021 | $4.1 billion | Bounce back from pandemic impact with strong revenue recovery. |
| 2022 | $4.7 billion | Growth from new partnerships and stadium development discussions. |
| 2023 | $5.4 billion | NFL expansion of streaming rights accelerated team valuations. |
| 2024 | $6.3 billion | Anticipation of Arlington Heights stadium added future value. |
| 2025 | $8.2 billion | September 2025 valuation; top 5 NFL franchise value. |
Comparison with Other NFL Teams
At a valuation of $8.2 billion in September 2025, the Chicago Bears have entered the elite group of the NFL’s wealthiest franchises. Their financial growth has accelerated in recent years, driven by massive media rights deals, their large-market fan base, and anticipation of the Arlington Heights stadium project. While they still trail the NFL’s top franchise in overall value, they now stand well above the league average.
The Dallas Cowboys remain the undisputed leader in franchise value, topping the list at $9.5 billion. The Cowboys’ success is built on their massive fan following, AT&T Stadium revenue, and unique global brand recognition, often referred to as “America’s Team.”
The New England Patriots follow closely with a valuation around $8.8 billion, driven by their two-decade run of dominance under Robert Kraft’s ownership and their powerful New England fan base. Even as the team transitions to a post-Tom Brady identity, their commercial strength remains immense.
The Los Angeles Rams are also a financial powerhouse, worth approximately $8.4 billion in 2025. Their valuation has been boosted by the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which they share with the Chargers, and by the entertainment opportunities that come with being in one of the biggest media markets in the world.
The San Francisco 49ers, worth about $7.7 billion, continue to benefit from their rich history, Silicon Valley connections, and Levi’s Stadium’s commercial strength.
By comparison, the average NFL franchise value in 2025 is estimated at $6.2 billion. The Bears, at $8.2 billion, sit well above this average, proving the strength of both their history and their market position. Their rise has placed them in a rare group of teams that dominate financially as much as they do culturally in football history.
In terms of market potential, the Bears remain unique. Chicago is the third-largest media market in the United States, and the team’s loyal fan base is considered one of the most passionate in the league. The planned Arlington Heights stadium project, with its entertainment district, dome design, and potential Super Bowl hosting opportunities, could push its valuation even closer to the Cowboys’ level in the future.
Future Financial Outlook
The Bears’ future financial trajectory looks even stronger with their Arlington Heights stadium project. Expected to include a modern dome stadium and a surrounding entertainment district, this development could add billions more to the team’s valuation. With the continued rise of NFL media rights and the Chicago market’s size, the Bears’ net worth could approach $10 billion within the next decade.
Who is the Chairman of the Chicago Bears?
The chairman of the Chicago Bears is the public face of the franchise’s ownership group and the person who guides the team’s overall direction. As of 2025, George McCaskey serves in this role, continuing the Halas-McCaskey family’s legacy of leadership.
Background of George McCaskey
George McCaskey was born into the Halas-McCaskey family, the longtime owners of the Bears. He is the grandson of George Halas, the legendary founder of the franchise, and the son of Virginia Halas McCaskey, who served as principal owner until her passing in early 2025. Before becoming chairman, George worked in broadcasting and later joined the Bears’ front office, giving him years of exposure to both the business and media sides of the sport.
Tenure as Chairman
George McCaskey became chairman of the Chicago Bears in 2011, succeeding his brother Michael McCaskey. Under his leadership, the franchise has undergone several key developments, including modernization efforts, expanded corporate partnerships, and most recently, the push to relocate from Soldier Field to a new stadium in Arlington Heights. By 2025, George has been in the role for 14 years, making him one of the longest-serving chairmen in the NFL.
Leadership Style and Responsibilities
As chairman, George McCaskey oversees the family trust that owns 80% of the franchise. He is responsible for representing the Bears in league matters, including NFL owners’ meetings, while also steering the organization’s long-term vision. George is not directly involved in player personnel decisions, which are left to the general manager and football operations staff. Instead, he focuses on business strategy, fan engagement, and stadium development projects.
Recent Developments in 2025
Following the death of his mother Virginia Halas McCaskey, George became the principal figure of the ownership group. His role has expanded as he now serves as both chairman and the recognized majority voice of the family trust. In 2025, George is at the forefront of the Arlington Heights stadium project, which is expected to redefine the Bears’ future and elevate their revenue potential.
Legacy and Family Continuity
George McCaskey’s leadership symbolizes the continuity of the Halas-McCaskey family’s control of the Bears. As the grandson of the team’s founder, his chairmanship reinforces the franchise’s unique position as one of the few remaining NFL teams still owned by its founding family. His decisions in the coming years, particularly regarding stadium development and team performance, will shape both the Bears’ financial future and the preservation of the Halas legacy.
Final Words
The Chicago Bears stand as more than just a professional football team; they are a living testament to the roots of the NFL. For over a hundred years, the Halas and McCaskey families have carried the responsibility of ownership, ensuring the franchise never loses its identity or connection to its founding era.
When fans wonder who owns Chicago Bears, the answer reflects a story of continuity, tradition, and legacy. With Virginia Halas McCaskey still at the center of ownership and her family deeply involved in operations, the Bears remain firmly tied to the man who first gave them life—George Halas.
The combination of loyal fans, family leadership, and historical significance secures the Bears’ place as one of the most enduring names in professional sports.
FAQs
Who is the new owner of the Chicago Bears?
The new principal owner of the Chicago Bears in 2025 is George McCaskey, who took over as the family’s top representative following the death of his mother, Virginia Halas McCaskey, earlier in the year. He leads the Halas-McCaskey family trust, which holds the majority stake in the franchise.
Who is Chicago Bears owners family?
The Bears are owned by the Halas-McCaskey family, descendants of George Halas, the team’s founder. The family collectively controls around 80% of the franchise through a trust. Key figures include George McCaskey, Patrick McCaskey, and other siblings and descendants of Virginia Halas McCaskey.
Who is Chicago Bears new owner?
The new controlling figure of the Bears is George McCaskey, who now serves as both the chairman and the family’s representative owner.
What is the Pat Ryan Bears ownership percentage?
Pat Ryan, a Chicago billionaire and insurance magnate, is a minority shareholder in the Bears. His ownership stake is estimated at 19.7% as of 2025, making him the most significant minority owner outside of the McCaskey family.
Who are Chicago Bears minority owners?
The Bears’ minority owners include Pat Ryan and his business partner Andy McKenna, who collectively hold just under 20% of the franchise. While they have financial stakes, they do not control team decisions, which remain in the hands of the McCaskey family trust.
Who is the CEO of the Bears?
As of 2025, the President and CEO of the Chicago Bears is Kevin Warren. He joined the organization in 2023 after serving as Big Ten Commissioner. Warren manages the team’s daily operations, business development, and the Arlington Heights stadium project.
Do the McCaskeys own 100% of the Bears?
No, the McCaskey family owns about 80% of the Chicago Bears through a family trust. The remaining 20% is held by minority investors, primarily Pat Ryan and Andy McKenna.
Who will own the Chicago Bears next?
Ownership is expected to remain within the Halas-McCaskey family trust. George McCaskey currently leads the trust, and future succession will likely pass to other McCaskey descendants, keeping the team under family control.
Does Aaron Rodgers own the Bears?
No, Aaron Rodgers does not own the Chicago Bears. He was the longtime quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, one of the Bears’ biggest rivals. His famous rivalry with Chicago led to playful comments about “owning the Bears,” but he has no financial stake in the franchise.
Who founded the Chicago Bears?
The Chicago Bears were founded in 1919 by A.E. Staley, owner of the Staley Starch Company in Decatur, Illinois. In 1921, he transferred the team to George Halas and Dutch Sternaman, who moved the team to Chicago and renamed them the Bears in 1922. George Halas remained the team’s central figure for more than six decades.